I ran a vacuum gauge off the vacuum port of the carb this morning, after I got the truck started and running by itself. I get only 6" at idle, and up to around 15" with the choke out aways (but not out all the way where it starves for air). The needle is as steady as can be though.
Then I decided to remove the fuel line off the carb and either check for fuel or remove the carb check for the hole in the base. As I was loosening the fitting on the line up by the carb, all of a sudden it started spraying out from the fitting. It sprayed out for a few seconds then I tightened the fitting back up. I didn't expect that much pressure. Few minutes later I came back to it and removed it as well as the carb. The hole on the spacer lined up with the notch cut out on the gasket, which lined up with the hole in the base of the carb.
Then I thought I might as well take the carb apart while its off. I took it apart and blew all the passages out with air. I did note that it was missing a couple of check balls, and a mesh screen in the main well that the diagram shows it should have. I found a check ball in the rebuild kit box that I kept from when I did the rebuild. I put that in underneath the spring and t-shaped piece that pushes in the carb. I found another check ball from another kit to put in the other spot on the removable main well, but turns out it was too big. Now the spring and ball are stuck in the screw that goes in the hole of the main well underneath the piston and spring, and I don't think it's going to come out. I tried using a vise, and a vacuum pump, and it isn't coming out. I also reset the float adjustment and checked the float drop, both are spot on now at 1 9/32 and 1 3/4.
I figure I shouldn't put the carb back on and run it until I figure out some fuel filter setup for the truck. Did they ever have a fuel filter?
I will probably pull the plugs and check them out again. Should I do that and check the ignition before I get the carb back on and get it running? I checked the point gap a couple weeks ago or so when I put in new plugs and it seemed to be narrow IMO. What's it supposed to be? 0.016"? Never checked the timing as long as i've been around it. Running it, it sounds like it has a load on it all the time except for at idle, so maybe it is a bit retarded?
After running it today, and then trying to restart it, it doesn't start up as quick as it used to. Usually after ran it will fire up right away. Now it either takes pump shots with the accelerator, or else 3-4 seconds of cranking and the engine will slowly overcome the starter and start.
